First Steps 2026: 3-28 March

Opening event: 5.30-7pm, Tuesday 3 March. All welcome.

Eastside’s highly regarded annual exhibition for artists who are new, or nearly new, to exhibiting is back for 2026 with a huge variety of works from 11 local artists in Eastside and another 7 in the Mini Gallery. This not-to-be-missed exhibition showcases impressive local talent across a wide range of media. Nothing over $700.

Eastside artists include: C J Maglaqui, Gabriel Collie, Jess Hall, Joel Calasin Jr, Madeline Hann, Mg Wong, Nicki Williams, Rosie Major, Sandra Greaney, Sandy Austin-Fraser and Stephen Clarke.

Mini Gallery artists include: Bartholomew Gibbs, Carolyn Wightman, Colette Meehan, Jenny Dickinson, Megan Charles, Rebecca McMaster, Sia Xia.

Location: 388 Worcester St, free parking and entry.

Opening Hours: Wed-Thu: 11am-5pm | Fri-Sat: 10am-5pm

Rosie Major, “2015,” oil on canvas, 2025
Madeline Hann
Madeline Hann, “I'll meet you there," oil on canvas, 2025
Sandra Greaney Turquoise with Nasturtiums
Sandra Kreniski Greaney, “Turquoise with Nasturtiuns,” oil on canvas, 2025
Joel Calasin Jr cropped
Joel Calasin Jr, “Mula sa Memorya” (Memory in Time), graphite on paper, 2026
Te Auaha Gallery Wellington
Nicki Williams, "Memories Lost and Found," mixed media, recycled fabrics, 2025
Aoraki II - Stephen Clarke
Stephen Clarke, "Aoraki II," acrylic on canvas, 2025